Norton Motorcycles will make its long awaited return to the legendary Isle of Man TT Races in May 2009 after an absence of 16 years. In an historic deal, the brand was recently brought back to the UK after 15 years stateside by bike enthusiast and owner of Norton Racing, Stuart Garner.

Michael Dunlop, 21, son of the late motorcycle legend Robert Dunlop, will pilot the Norton NRV 588 on its TT debut in the Senior Race over the notorious 37¾ mile circuit. Michael commented:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to make history with Norton’s return to one of the world’s most famous races - a real highlight of the racing calendar. It means a lot to me as I will be following in my father’s bike tracks as he finished third on his JPS Norton when he competed in 1992.”

Stuart Garner, chief executive at Norton Motorcycles said:

“This is the first time since 1993 that an official Norton team has raced at the TT. We have a fantastic racing pedigree with the brand established over 100 years ago and our aim is to emulate the success Norton race bikes achieved particularly in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon engineering team and we are confident that 2009 will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of this famous UK motorcycle brand.”

Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government said:

“Having Norton back in the TT is sensational news. It will truly be an historic occasion within the competitions history. They were a fabulous crowd pleaser and we have every confidence this will be the first of many successful races for the Norton team.”

Norton Motorcycles UK manufacturing plant is at Donington Park. The company plans to hand-build 200 race bikes and a road-legal version of the NRV 588 in 2009, both which will go on sale in the spring.

Great news!!!Good luck to Michael and the Norton team.

Nice One Michael, best of luck with it in 2009.

With a bike like that and Michaels riding style it can only be great to watch.

A Dunlop on a Norton............a great combination. Will be an interesting partnership to follow for next year.

I wonder will it make an appearance on the Irish roads at some stage next year?

This is brilliant news , about time something came Michaels way I thought he would have been snapped up ages ago , not knocking WD but I think this is far better suited to Michael as a bike has to going right for WD or he doesnt seem to be able to manage as well cause from what I hear the Norton is not the easiest bike to ride , In my opinion Michael is a bit more rough and ready and seems to thrive on the challange of nursing a bike around when its not going well and still gets the results , Im absolutly delighted for Michael and hope this the launch he needs to kick start what Im sure will be a long and successful career, cant wait to see him out at the IOM thats if he gets the chance to get near the bike because id say he will swarmed TV crews and photographers as everyone is talking about it and looking forward to seeing Michaels first outing on it

The best of luck Michael and I hope everything goes well

Good luck for Michel and Norton

He deserves to ride it.

A great talent wasted

In response to Smithy03 why do you think hes going to be wasted with Norton

I was about to post along the same lines.

Michael is an up and coming rider with a very good chance of a solid top 6 finish this year. Stick him on any of the current crop of superbikes and he'll be there or abouts.

The Norton is a one of with as far as I know little real development work. Michaels abilities to set a bike up I don't know for sure but to get it right for the TT on a one (or two) of ride is a long shot.

I love the idea of Norton returning and putting in a good showing but its a romantic pipe dream no more.

The more I think about it - smells like a stunt.

Has Jim Moodie announced that he's looking for a ride yet

Before I get flamed......... no one would be happier to see him do good on the Norton than me - but given the weight of possibilities it doesn't look like a good bet.


Cheers

Sam